Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Information about the PhD Programme:

How long is a PhD programme? The NUS PhD in Management is a full time programme. On the average, it can take up to 4 to 5 years to complete.

What is the overall programme structure? The first two years are dedicated to coursework, summer paper & qualifying examination. The last two years are dedicated exclusively to research and dissertation. [Click here for more details]

Is there a minimum duration for finishing my PhD? You need at least 4 years to complete your PhD degree.

Can I do my PhD on a part-time basis? No. PhD can only be pursued on a full time basis.

What is the maximum duration for finishing my PhD? The maximum duration allowed for finishing the PhD degree is 6 years.

What are the criteria for the selection of candidates? Candidates are assessed on the basis of outstanding intellectual ability, motivation, faculty recommendations and potential for an international academic career.

Application Requirements:

What is the minimum qualification for applying to your PhD programme? The minimum qualification for applying to the PhD programme is a Bachelor's degree in the relevant discipline.

I do not have a management background or prior work experience. Can I still apply? Yes you can. Alongside your application, please submit a detailed essay on your area of interest, knowledge about the area and your objective from this programme to help us evaluate your application.

Questions on Online Application

I realised that I have made some serious errors in my application after I have submitted my application. What should I do? Please contact us so that we can access the system to amend your application.

I cannot modify the application information myself after I have submitted it. Could you tell me how to upload some supporting documents online? Documents cannot be uploaded after submission of application. Please send the documents directly to us by emailing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

I have accidentally submitted my application. How can I withdraw it? Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so that we can access the system to update the status of your application to withdrawn.

I have submitted all the necessary admission documents by post. How do I know if the faculty/school has received the documents in good order? We will inform you via email.

My referee has not received the mail for the submission of online referee report. What should I do? Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so that we can check and resend the email to your referee.

My referee is unable to open the URL for the submission of the referee report. The message from the system is “The period for entering Referee Report has expired. Please contact administrator.” Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so that we can check and resend the email to your referee with the reopening of the system for your referee to submit his/her report.

Are there any interviews and/or admission tests? The concerned department will be conducting a telephonic interview to the shortlisted applicants.

What is the deadline for PhD application? Online application for August 2018 intake has ended on 15 December 2017. The system will open in May 2018 for August 2019 intake.

When will I know the outcome of my application? We regret to inform you that only shortlisted applicants will be notified for an interview.

Successful applicants will be notified via email/letter of the outcome of PhD application sometime between January to April 2018. If you have not heard from us until the end of April 2018, you may assume that we had rejected your application.

Applicants can login to Graduate Admission System https://inetapps.nus.edu.sg/GDA2/Home.aspx to check their application status. Final status of all applications will be made known after 30 May 2018 once the admissions committee has finalized their decision.

Can I reapply if my file has been rejected? Yes, you can re-apply for the next intake.

May I apply for two fields/departments? Yes, you can apply for multiple fields (departments). But you need to fill in separate application forms and pay application fee for each application.

Can I submit IELTS scores in the place of TOEFL? IELTS is also acceptable. You can submit either TOEFL or IELTS.

Is TOEFL required for graduation from certain universities? Applicants who obtained their degrees from universities where English was not the main medium of communication MUST submit certified Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score sheets. TSE and TWE scores are required as part of TOEFL. Applicants who do not have TSE and TWE scores will be assessed on spoken and written English by a faculty member, and this may delay processing of their applications. IELTS is also acceptable. Applicants either submit TOEFL or IELTS

Can I send my application if I have not yet taken my GMAT or TOEFL? Yes. You just need to indicate the test date in your application and provide us with the test scores after your exam.

Can I be waived from both GMAT and GRE? No, you must submit at least one of these scores.

Is there any minimum requirement for GMAT and GRE scores? No minimum GMAT score is required. The average score is around 680-700/800.

What is the institution code for NUS Business School? Our institution code for GRE/GMAT at 7219, TOEFL at 9082 and IELTS at 0677.

Financial Support:

What are the various scholarships offered for the PhD studies? The NUS Research Scholarships are awarded to outstanding candidates to pursue a full time research degree. [Click here for more details]

The Lee Kong Chian Graduate Scholarships are awarded to outstanding students at any PhD programme at the University. [Click here for more details]

Am I still entitled for a scholarship if I have secured external financial support as well? Yes. Please indicate in the application form the details of the other financial support that you have already secured.

Do PhD students get any monthly stipend? Yes, PhD students are entitled to a monthly stipend under the various scholarship schemes described above. [Click here for more details]

Are there any other opportunities available to augment one's monthly income? Yes. The following options are available for PhD Students:

Miscellaneous:

Campus VisitsIs it possible to visit the campus before submitting the application? Yes. We encourage you to visit us and familiarize yourself with the campus before applying for any programme at the university.